Safety Officer wearing a safety vest and writing on a clip board.

Our Course is Tested, Tried and True

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Safety Officer wearing a safety vest and writing on a clip board.

During the past two years, Bigfoot’s Academy has been providing a major city in Canada with specialized rigging training for all of their civil workers. In the process of training hundreds of workers, Bigfoot has garnered valuable feedback from participants and improved critical aspects of the course.

Today, the course is being offered as a one-day (eight-hour) training experience, which is always a mixture of classroom learning and onsite coaching. Bigfoot’s Academy is providing some of the best training experiences in the industry.

 

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Basics of Civil Rigging

The Basics of Civil Rigging

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The goal of Bigfoot’s Civil Rigging Course is to educate the untrained worker. The course focuses on the proper use of equipment, on lifting practices, and on the potential hazards of the work environment.

Eighty percent of rigging failures are due to slings being cut, and that’s where our course comes in to teach proper inspection and safe use of slings & hardware.

In addition to explaining current regulations, the course also helps workers to know what questions to ask when lifting loads, so that they can use taglines effectively and keep a safe distance from hazards.

 

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Civil Rigging - Our training is practical

Bigfoot’s Training is Practical

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Our training is well known for being practical, helpful and engaging. Our instructors have years of on-the-job experience and they combine their knowledge with a passion for teaching, which comes out clearly in the format of the training.

“We teach theory and practical,” says Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot’s Academy, “so that means we spend some time in the classroom, then we get out on the job, in the rain and in the mud with our gloves on, to make sure it works in real life. We don’t just tell people what they need to know, we show them why they need to know it.”

 

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A row of construction managers stand looking off towards their construction site at mid-day.

The Responsibility of Managers

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A row of construction managers stand looking off towards their construction site at mid-day.

Effective training in civil rigging training not only prevents accidents and ensures safety for workers, but it also relieves the legal and corporate pressures of negligence on the part of managers and owners.

Whether it’s safety risks, damage risks, legal liabilities, or loss of work, the cost of accidents is enormous. Untrained and unqualified managers can be a major liability to construction companies and city work crews. Bigfoot’s Civil Rigging Course is for supervisors and foremen as well as workers. Everyone needs to understand the value of this training.

 

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Two men helping lower shoring with an excavator into a hole.

Keeping Civil Rigging Workers Safe

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Two men helping lower shoring with an excavator into a hole.

“The Civil Rigging Course helps workers move loads safely. Really, it’s for anyone who does any kind of mechanized lifting, using equipment like excavators or backhoes to move loads into place. Ideally, we want to make this course available to every civil works crew and every construction company in Canada—it’s that important.”

– Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot’s Academy.

Bigfoot’s training for civil riggers empowers workers with knowledge so that they can be confident on job sites. With adequate training, they can perform their work with the kind of self-assurance and professionalism that is required in a high-risk environment.

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10 Best Practices for Working at Height in Winter

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Top Takeaway: Working at height in the winter can be dangerous, but you can reduce the risks by planning ahead, dressing appropriately, and monitoring yourself and others for signs of cold
stress.

Winter is the most challenging season for any outdoor job-site, but cold weather and blowing snow can make working at height even more hazardous. Follow these best practices to stay safe
this winter, no matter the height or temperature.

  1. Clear snow and ice.
    Falling is always the most obvious risk of working at height, but ice and snow make it an even greater hazard. Black ice, whether caused by fluctuating temperatures or frozen
    condensation, is a common problem but is often hard to spot. Similarly, snow can melt and refreeze or compact over time, making it difficult to remove and easy to slip on.
    Make sure to shovel and de-ice regularly to prevent falls or painful slips.
  2. Pay attention to the weather.
    Storms can rise quickly in the winter, reducing visibility to white-out conditions and blowing any unsecured objects (or people) over edges. Check the weather in advance
    and make sure your site has all necessary controls put in place, but don’t let your guard down if there’s a clear forecast. Pay attention to the weather throughout the day to give
    your workers plenty of time to get to safety before a storm, and ensure workers wear high-visibility equipment so they are easy to spot if rescue is needed.
  3. Prepare for wind.
    Even without blowing snow, wind presents a serious challenge at height. Faster winds caused by higher altitude can accelerate cold stress and must be carefully worked
    around. Keep any loose materials securely fastened when not in use and provide protected areas where workers can regularly step out of the wind to warm up. Monitor
    wind readings on the ground and at height to ensure no equipment is damaged and everyone stays safe.
  4. Avoid cold stress.
    Cold stress occurs when the body cools down faster than it can warm up. It can cause disorientation, numbness, frostbite, and hypothermia, and worsens quickly once it sets
    in. It is especially dangerous to people working at height as it could be hard to get back to the ground for treatment if it progresses too far. Ensure everyone on site knows the
    signs of cold stress and how to immediately treat them. Consult your local work safety board for more information on cold stress and its symptoms.
  5. Dress for the weather.
    Your clothes are your first level of defense against winter hazards. Dress in layers to create adjustable insulation against the cold and wind, making sure to wear a
    waterproof top layer. If any of your clothes soak through, change into something dry as soon as possible. To prevent slipping on icy rungs or platforms, wear high-traction boots
    and gloves that fit tightly without cutting off circulation.
  6. Protect your PPE.
    If your fall equipment freezes and thaws repeatedly, the material can stiffen or rot, weakening it and put the user at risk. Likewise, drying it with an electric dryer or heater
    can stiffen or melt the material. Store your PPE properly in a cool area where it can dry completely without the risk of freezing, and always check your equipment before using
    it for damage or weakness.
  7. Inspect your station.
    Winter weather and temperatures can be hard on structures and equipment, so always check over the area you will be working on before starting for the day. This is especially
    crucial if you will be working on a platform, lift, or scaffolding for the day, as there is less room to maneuver if something weakens or snaps.
  8. Plan for rescues.
    Winter weather throws extra challenges into completing emergency rescues. Uncleared snow, ice, and low visibility can make a straightforward rescue plan nearly impossible,
    so it is imperative that you have more than one plan in place. Brainstorm a list of winter hazards that could impede rescues and make multiple plans to account for every area.
    It’s a lot of work upfront, but it will pay off in the long run if the worst should happen.
  9. Work in pairs.
    If cold stress sets in, disorientation and numbness can make it difficult to recognize the need to stop working and get treatment. Even if a person is aware of what is happening,
    they may ignore warning signs of illness to finish what they’re working on. Work in pairs to monitor each other’s conditions and to ensure that if cold stress does occur it is
    treated immediately.
  10. Train your crew.
    It isn’t enough for management and supervisors to be aware of winter hazards; everyone on site needs to be prepared for what winter will bring to the jobsite. Train
    your crew to identify and deal with hazards, cold stress symptoms, and emergency protocols to ensure that everyone will be safe this winter.
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Working at Height Summer

5 Rules for Working at Height in Summer

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Top Takeaway: Heat stress and the risk of falling are both serious hazards when working at height in the summer. Combined they can be deadly, so stay cool and plan ahead to keep everyone safe this season.

 

Summer is synonymous with construction. Its consistent weather and sunny days make working outside significantly easier and safer than harsher seasons. The heat, however, is not always your friend.

 

Heat stress is a major problem on jobsites throughout the warmer months and can complicate already hazardous jobs, such as working at height. Here are five rules that must be followed if your site involves working at height this summer.

 

1. Watch the weather.

Summer weather is typically reliable. It’s hot, maybe humid, and has significantly less precipitation to worry about. While this reduces the risk of slipping, summer brings its own hazards, like heat stress and lightning storms. Keep an eye on the weather and make sure your site is prepared for anything the season can throw at you.

 

2. Cover up.

Heat stress occurs when your body warms up faster than it can cool down. Although it feels nice to lose the layers, exposing your skin to the sunlight increases the rate at which your body heats up. Instead of going sleeveless, wear light, loose clothing with long sleeves and legs, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the worst of the sun’s rays.

 

3. Stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated is the most important factor in preventing heat-related illness. Keep a water bottle close at hand throughout the day, refilling it every time you empty it. Drinking water will cool you down and keep you alert, and refilling your bottle will give you regular opportunities to step out of the sun.

 

4. Use appropriate fall protection and prevention.

Drier weather reduces the likelihood of slipping, but it’s still crucial to utilize the appropriate fall prevention and protection equipment for the height you’re at (WorkSafeBC has a simple guide here). Take time to lay out a fall prevention and rescue plan, making sure everyone on site is familiar with it. When you’re not wearing your PPE, store it in a cool, dry place to prevent any damage from the sun or heat.

 

5. Don’t wait to get help.

Getting dizzy or passing out while still at height could put yourself and others in extreme danger as they try to rescue you. Heatstroke can progress quickly, so if you start to feel symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, or you’ve stopped sweating, get back to the ground as quickly and safely as possible to get treatment.

 

Worried about how heat stress will affect your jobsite? Learn more about what it is and how to prevent it in our Summer Jobsite Safety article.

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Self Dumping Bins

Keeping It Safe With Self Dumping Bins

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Self Dumping Bins save workers from harm, while improving job-site productivity. Check out this video to learn how.

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Heat Stress

11 Ways to Avoid Heat Stress on the Jobsite

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Top Takeaway:

High temperatures are the greatest challenge for jobsites in the summer. Make sure everyone on site is hydrated, eating well, and taking time to cool down to prevent heat stress.

 

Summer is here, and with it comes long days and hot weather. Warmer temperatures can be exciting but are also hazardous for those who work outside or in the heat. Heat stress is a serious threat on a jobsite, so check out these best practices to stay safe this season.

 

1. Have a plan.

The best way to keep your jobsite running safely and smoothly this summer is to be prepared. Consider supplying additional cooling PPE for your crew, such as fans or cold packs, and organize working hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.

2. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

These are the two simplest ways to avoid heat illnesses and protect your health in the long term. Drink enough water (most doctors recommend eight glasses a day) and continuously apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat and UV radiation.

3. Respect the sun, love the shade.

Exposure to sunlight is inevitable in the summer, but it should be avoided when possible. Create shaded areas with good air-flow to prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.

4. Dress right.

Sleeveless may seem the way to go on a burning day, but exposed skin means a higher risk of sunburn and sunstroke, and could even lead to skin cancer in the long term. Instead of losing layers, wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable material, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses that block UV rays. These steps will guard your health and keep you cooler in the long run.

5. Eat right.

It’s natural to crave sugary drinks and icy treats in the summer heat but these foods will sap your energy as you digest them and leave you with a sugar crash. Choose healthy, energizing foods, like fresh fruit or low-sugar granola bars and stick to water as your drink of choice.

6. Allow for acclimatization.

If an employee is new or has been off work for a while, their bodies will need time to adjust to the summer’s heat. Start them with reduced time spent in high temperatures and increase it slowly. An acclimatized body will be able to better handle heat exposure and is less likely to suffer from heat stress.

7. Stay cool.

It’s important to allow your body to cool down after spending extensive time in the heat. Prepare air-conditioned break rooms and encourage your crew to spend time indoors after work to prevent the effects of heat stress.

8. Plan for the next day.

Your habits outside of work will also affect your ability to operate in the heat. Avoid overindulging on coffee or alcohol after-hours, as these will continue to have dehydrating effects on your body the next day.

9. Watch for symptoms.

Heat stress can progress quickly once it has begun and, if left untreated, can require time off work to recover from. Watch out for dizziness, nausea, headaches, cramps, elevated pulse, and if sweating stops. If you notice any of these symptoms, take a break in a cool area and drink lots of water. If a person becomes unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.

10. Educate your crew.

While it’s important to pay attention to the health of your crew, it’s impossible to monitor everyone onsite at all times. Make sure your staff are trained to recognize the signs of heat stress and treat it immediately.

11. Know when to call it.

Some days are just too hot to work. It may be frustrating to end a workday early, but it will be more productive in the long run to preserve the health of your employees. There’s no legal cut off for when it’s too hot to work, so monitor the heat and your crew’s condition to make the wisest choice.

For more information on heat stress and how to prevent it, read WorkSafeBC’s free guide here.

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